New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-01-21
DANGERS or ELECTRIC LIGHTING.

An important investigation has just been
closed in Philadelphia. 1t was made before
cOrOner's jury, the object being to ascertain the
cause Of the fire that destroyed the Temple
Theatre, at which time two lives were lost.
The verdict of the jury is practically an express
sion Of opinion that electricity caused the fire,
and this conclusion possesses special sgniii-
canoe because 1t Is the result Of a careful and
elaborate inquiry made under efficient scieu-
tifc guidance. Inspector McDavitt of the
Philadelphia Insurance Patrol attended Mt the
inquest, and exhibited a series Of experiments
showing various dangers to be apprehendcd
from electric lighting under certain conditions
When this iuminant was introduced it WIS as
serted that it was much safer than any other.
and the statement was relatively true. Ii Is
not to be concluded that electric lighting has
been stripped OF the reputation for superior
safety which belongs to it, but it has been
shown that it may become dangerous when
false economy, dishonesty or negligence pro-
duces abnormal conditions in the transportation
of the current, and that such accidents must
be reckoned with when the supervision is not
close and constant.
Inspector McDavitt demonstrated to tho sat-
isfaction Of the jury that when, as sometimes
happens the insulation OF the conducting wire
becomes detached and the wire Is run or passes
through woodwork. Incandescence may be set
up. Also where two wires are placed near to-
gether with woodwork between them, cross
currents may be induced by the presence of
moisture on the wood. Wires passing through
window stills or castings have thus at times been
set on fire by rain. IL is important to bear in
mind that when fire il in this way produced in
woodwork, it cannot be extnguished by water
OF by q BabcOck extlnguisher. which. as In
sDect0r McDavitt showed by citation OF act ial
facts will only intensity the blaze. the acidu-
lated water which it emits strengthening tho
cross current which il doing all tho mischief.
Another thing proved by Mr. McDavitt was tbs
possibility of fire being communicated by the
enclosed electric lamp globes Ho wrapped n
cotton handkerchief around one Of them and
in few minutes it burst into flame. 1t was
further made clear that If an electric lamp is
broken in an atmosphere charged with illum
mating gas it may produce an explosion. This
Is contrary to the popular belief. but tho OK
periments made seem to leave no room for
doubt as to the existence of the danger.
An electric lamp, when broken, will not as a
rule. set fire to cotton, paper or anything of
inc kluu H0 OI Ino lnCdOueSce nj
glow Is in such an event almost instantaneous.
but it persists just long enough to explode gas
if it comes in contact with the electric spark.
Another point brought out was the frequent
carelessness Of the wOrkmen or managers who
fit up electric plants In adjusting the safety
plugs to the size OF the wire. "Some COM
panies" said Inspector McDavitt, buy their
plugs from electric supply companies without
special adaptation to their lights Some put in |
a ten-light plug for three light wire, and if 1t |
does not Immediately cause trouble they think |
they are safe" This he illustrated with a No |
20 wire, and on turning on the current the |
cover of the wire was first ignited ana burned |
of. and then the wire itself became red hot and
fused. That illustrated the danger of crowdng
a large current on small wire. or course,
nearly every one Of the dangers noted can be
avoided. and will be by companies which do
thsar work cOnscientiOusly. Perhaps the single
exception is the danger Of fire from tho contact
between inAammable material and the exterior
Of electric lamp globes. TO avoid this care
must be taken to keep tho lamps free of all
contact. The inquiry, however. has demon
'tratcd that electric lighting requires caro- and
faithful service; that slovenly work may rem
der it dangerous; and that it will not do TO
that by the employ mcnt of electricity
alone for illumination ali danger of fire ia nee.
,ssariy removed.
"